Throughout winter break, students have taken advantage of the near-empty campus to partake in activities against University policies; not all of them got away with it.
On New Year’s Eve, a student was issued a citation in connection with possession of marijuana paraphernalia at Calhoun Lofts. Someone reported the drug’s smell, and once UH officers spoke to the student, he was found with smoking equipment.
Four more cases have stemmed from alleged drug use. One occurred on New Year’s Day when a visitor was arrested and accused of public intoxication.
“It’s a public institution,” said Amran Riaz, associate dean of students. “And we cannot stop (visitors) from coming.”
Two other cases occurred on Friday – both involving students on campus allegedly being publicly intoxicated. The first ensued at Entrance 1, the other at Calhoun Lofts where two students were arrested and given Student Life referrals.
Another case occurred in the middle of the night on Sunday when a visitor was stopped for a traffic violation, and it was determined he was under the influence of alcohol and under the drinking age.
According to the University’s Drug and Alcohol Prevention Policy in the Student Handbook, illicit drug use, including manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation or possession is prohibited in the workplace, on campus or as part of any University activities.
More alleged crimes have occurred in residential buildings.
A student reported a burglary of her Cambridge Oaks apartment on Dec. 26. In Bayou Oaks, a staff member reported someone intentionally damaged the wall and stole a table.
“One of the most important things a student resident can do to lower the chance of being the victim of a property crime in their residence is to simply lock their door,” said Lt. Bret Collier, UH Police chief of staff. “Leaving your door unlocked, even for a few minutes, is an invitation for criminal activity.
“Don’t second guess your instincts. If someone or something looks suspicious to you, let us come and check it out.”
